Residents of 13 ethnic groups build a happy home in Xizang's Xigaze

In Xigaze, there is a historic old neighborhood known as the Jiangluokangsa Community. Home to more than 1,500 residents from 13 ethnic groups, the community has become a national model for ethnic unity, where generations of people have lived together in harmony.

Walking through Jiangluokangsa, visitors see clean, stone-paved streets lined with busy shops. Residents from different ethnic groups pass by one another with smiles on their faces, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

From 'mud roads' to 'roads of happiness'

Ma Gadong, a Hui merchant originally from Gansu, has lived in the Jiangluokangsa Community for 37 years. When he first arrived in Xigaze in 1988, the neighborhood looked very different.

"The roads were difficult to walk on, there were no streetlights, and the houses were much older and more rundown," he recalled.

More than three decades later, Ma has witnessed dramatic changes in the community.

"Now the roads are well paved – all smooth concrete roads. Streetlights have been installed. There are public squares and community activities. It's completely different from back then," he said.

Ma built his family in the community with his Tibetan wife, and together they raised two children. Today, he runs a large wholesale ethnic clothing business in the neighborhood.

"The neighbors here get along very well and always help one another. I've always loved living here," he said.

A pair of scissors connecting neighbors

In another corner of the community, Yao Xiaoying, a hair salon owner from Gansu, has operated her barbershop here for 17 years.

She arrived in Xigaze in her 20s more than two decades ago and started her business with little more than a pair of scissors. Over the years, through hard work, she supported her three children through college, bought a nice house, and purchased a car.

"I've been running my shop here for about 17 years. The neighbors take great care of me. Tibetan, Han, and Hui friends all come here for haircuts," she said.

According to Yao, relationships among residents are especially close.

"If I make something delicious, I'll share some with them. If they cook something good, they'll bring me some too. Sometimes elderly people have trouble getting around and ask me to cut their hair at home. I'll close the shop for a while and go help them."

"After living here for so long, I feel the people are simple and kindhearted. I'm used to life here now," she said with a smile. "This is my home."

Cultural exchanges in everyday life

The Jiangluokangsa Community is home to 13 ethnic groups, including Tibetans, Han, Hui and Yi people. The community has established a "Confucius Classroom," where residents gather for cultural activities.

During festivals – whether Tibetan New Year, the Spring Festival or Eid al-Adha – residents of all ethnic groups come together to celebrate, exchange greetings and share festive joy. People dance the traditional Tibetan Guozhuang dance, play the dranyen (Tibetan lute) and sing together in celebration.

The transformation of the Jiangluokangsa Community vividly reflects how improved livelihoods and ethnic unity have reinforced one another in Xizang.

Its story stands as a living testament to the continuous improvement of people's lives and the deepening of ethnic solidarity in Xizang. It also offers a vivid example of the growing sense of community for the Chinese nation in the new era.